Wharton FinTech Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with investor and writer Ilona Limonta-Volkova to explore the intersection of VC, storytelling, and innovation in FinTech. Ilona shares her perspective on identifying emerging trends, backing founders, and translating complex financial ideas into compelling narratives. We also dive into her journey across markets and what it takes to think like both an investor and a communicator in a rapidly evolving industry. If you enjoy this episode you can hear more from Ilona on her platforms https://bearandthebull.beehiiv.com/ and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-memories/id1522819765.

In this episode, we’re joined by Georgina Bulkeley, Director of Financial Services at Google Cloud, to unpack how AI is transforming banking and financial services. With over 25 years in financial institutions, she shares what it takes to innovate in a highly regulated industry and how concepts like agentic commerce are paving the way for autonomous money movement.

We also explore how AI is shifting from a risk to a powerful tool for fraud prevention, risk management and personalized financial advice at scale, along with the balance between innovation and responsible AI. Georgina closes with her perspective on what the industry will look like in five years and the biggest misconceptions leaders still have about AI.

In this episode of the Wharton FinTech Podcast, Abhi Chadha speaks with Mairead Fanning, a senior leader at IDA Ireland, about Ireland’s rise as a global hub for fintech, AI, and digital financial services. Mairead discusses IDA’s mission and the role it plays in attracting and supporting foreign direct investment, what has historically driven Ireland’s success, and how the country differentiates itself today as companies compare locations across Europe. The conversation explores why fintech has become a strategic priority for Ireland, what global fintechs look for when deciding where to base operations, and how initiatives like Silicon Island are shaping the country’s AI ecosystem. Mairead also shares insights on Europe’s growing appeal, Ireland’s role in crypto and digital assets under MiCA, the fintech sub-sectors showing the most momentum, and how IDA defines a successful outcome for companies building in Ireland, before reflecting on her first year in her current role.

In this episode of the Wharton FinTech Podcast, Jackson Ellis sits down with Mike Milotich, CEO of Marqeta, to explore the evolving landscape of modern payments and embedded finance. Mike shares insights from his leadership experience at a pioneering card issuing platform, discussing how fintech companies are reshaping the way businesses and consumers interact with money.

The conversation covers Marqeta’s role in enabling innovative payment solutions, the growing importance of real-time financial infrastructure, and how companies can scale responsibly in a rapidly changing regulatory and economic environment. Mike also reflects on the strategic priorities of a CEO in a high-growth fintech company, including capital allocation, risk management, and navigating public markets.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of finance, technology, and strategy, highlighting key trends shaping the future of payments and the broader fintech ecosystem.

In this episode of the Wharton FinTech Podcast, Jackson Ellis sits down with Mike Milotich, CEO of Marqeta, to explore the evolving landscape of modern payments and embedded finance. Mike shares insights from his leadership experience at a pioneering card issuing platform, discussing how fintech companies are reshaping the way businesses and consumers interact with money.

The conversation covers Marqeta’s role in enabling innovative payment solutions, the growing importance of real-time financial infrastructure, and how companies can scale responsibly in a rapidly changing regulatory and economic environment. Mike also reflects on the strategic priorities of a CEO in a high-growth fintech company, including capital allocation, risk management, and navigating public markets.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of finance, technology, and strategy, highlighting key trends shaping the future of payments and the broader fintech ecosystem.